A famille verte rouleau vase, Kangxi period (1662-1722). © Christie's 2003

Finely painted with a continuous fenced garden scene with groups of ladies engaged in various leisurely activities, including playing the qin, playing weiqi, reading and contemplating a hanging scroll, the shoulder with aquatic scenes set in oval panels reserved on a diamond diaper ground, the neck painted with three young boys playing in a fenced garden setting - 17½in. (44.4cm.) high. Lot 294. Estimate $12,000 - $15,000. Price Realized $20,315 

Notes: The charming decoration depicted on this vase, of women at scholarly pursuits, appears to be unusual subject matter for Kangxi famille verte wares. Adding to the verisimilitude of the scene is the depiction of a qin similar to the black lacquered wood qin of Wanli date (1573-1619) in the present sale, lot 78, and a small red stool in the foreground of the scene which is similar to the rare red lacquered softwood stool of 18th century date, also in this sale, lot 89.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 18 September 2003, New York, Rockefeller Plaza